Karachi witnessed heavy monsoon showers on Tuesday that turned large parts of the city into flooded zones.
The intensity of the rainfall overwhelmed the city’s fragile drainage system, leaving neighborhoods submerged and residents struggling to move through knee-deep water.
Torrential Downpour Hits the City
Relentless heavy monsoon showers lashed Karachi on Tuesday, recording rainfall across almost every district of the metropolis.
The sudden and heavy downpour quickly overwhelmed the city’s inadequate drainage network, causing rainwater to accumulate on major roads, residential streets, and marketplaces.
In several areas, knee-to-waist-deep water disrupted daily life, leaving pedestrians and motorists stranded.
The Met Office had issued warnings of intense rainfall, but the sheer volume of water within a short span caught many residents off guard.
As dark clouds hovered over the city throughout the day, businesses were forced to shut early, schools suspended evening classes, and commuters battled flooded roads on their way home.
Rising Death Toll Amid Chaos.
At least eight people have lost their lives due to incidents related to the rain. RESCUE officials confirmed that electrocution and collapsed structures were among the leading causes of fatalities.
Authorities fear that the number of casualties could rise as more reports emerge from the affected areas.
Traffic Comes to a Standstill.
Waterlogging blocked the major roads in the city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, MA Jinnah Road, and several underpasses.
Vehicles broke down in waist-high water, stranding commuters for hours and bringing the city’s already strained traffic system to a halt.
Power Outages Worsen Situation.
Large parts of Karachi plunged into darkness as the heavy downpour damaged power infrastructure.
Several localities experienced prolonged power outages, which increased the difficulties faced by residents dealing with flooded homes and insufficient basic amenities.
Mayor Declares Rain Emergency.
In response to the crisis, Karachi’s mayor declared a citywide rain emergency.
He directed all civic departments to initiate relief operations and deploy machinery to pump water out of low-lying areas.
“Our priority is the safety of citizens, and all available resources are being utilised,” he stated.
Rescue and Relief Operations are underway.
Rescue teams, alongside municipal staff, worked to clear flooded streets and provide aid to stranded residents.
Emergency services were also dispatched to hospitals and critical infrastructure sites to ensure continuity for essential services.
Citizens Voice Frustration.
Residents expressed anger and frustration over the recurring urban flooding and power breakdowns.
Many criticised the lack of preparedness and called on city officials to develop long-term solutions to Karachi’s chronic drainage and infrastructure issues.
Call for Lasting Solutions.
Urban planners and experts once again emphasised the need to implement structural reforms in drainage, waste management, and power supply systems.
Without sustainable solutions, they warned, Karachi will continue to suffer the same fate each monsoon season.